The Decline of the Duel
Changing Times
Following the American Civil War, dueling underwent a period of decline. By the end close of the 19th century, the practice of dueling would die out across the nation, going virtually extinct by the early 20th century. Dueling worldwide would decline as well, vanishing in Europe by the time of the Great War. The massive bloodletting from both of these conflicts removed any stomach among the populations for affairs of honor. In Virginia, dueling had a slight resurgence between 1879 and 1883, with this last gasp spurred on by political disputes over debts incurred by the Civil War and loans from rebuilding efforts.[1] Changing social attitudes during this period in addition to public opposition, helped hasten the practice’s demise. A person's value was no longer vested solely in honor, but also in material wealth- the value of honor would hold less sway. Responding to popular opinion, the General Assembly voted in 1882 to outlaw dueling among state employees, with loss of employment the punishment. With the close of the century, dueling would pass into history, a unique practice reminiscent of a lost time.
[1] Moore, James T. "The Death of the Duel: The Code Duello in Readjuster Virginia, 1879-1883." The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 83, no. 3 (1975): 259-76